Dexter Cup to Celebrity Maserati & Lady Suffolk splits; Sophomore trotting events ensue

Celebrity Maserati & Tom Jackson

by Frank & Ray Cotolo

(H) = Hambletonian Eligible

The Hambletonian Trail officially opened its path to the 2013 August classics on the first weekend in May. On Saturday afternoon, May 4, the showcase was the $139,600 Dexter Cup at Freehold Raceway, which attracted two Hambletonian hopefuls. 

The first big soph-trotting-colt event was won by Celebrity Maserati (H-Andover Hall) in 1:58.3h, with Dontyouforgetit (H-Cantab Hall) finishing second. 

Dontyouforgetit took some time but got to the top from a quick-leaving Celebrity Maserati to set the fractions, going :28.2, :58.4 (:30.2) and 1:29 (:30.1). After rating most of the mile, Celebrity Maserati’s guide, Tom Jackson, tipped the colt wide and though drifting through the stretch, won by 2 ¼ lengths. 

Our selection, Celebrity Maserati ($6.00) is owned by Celebrity Farms and trained by Susanne Strandqvist.

Lola De Vie & David Miller

Lola De Vie (David Miller) won the first of two Lady Suffolk divisions, a non-bettor with a purse of $39,900), for trainer Chris Ryder in 2:00.4h, at Freehold Raceway on May 3.

Lola De Vie came first over to Feather Your Nest (H-Donato Hanover) at three-quarters and went on to win by 1 ½ lengths for owner Joie De Vie Farm. The other Hambo-eligible, MC’s Diamond, broke at the start and never got into the race, finishing fifth in the field of five. 

The connections of Lola De Vie celebrate in the Freehold winner's circle.

Non-eligible Vida De Vie won the betting half of the Lady Suffolk, worth $40,900 to a field of six. Daniel Dube drove the Chris Ryder-trained filly to victory in 2:01.2h. Joie De Vie Farm also owns the filly, who won with a wire-to-wire trip. 

Vida De Vie

Our choice, Bouncing Bax (H-Credit Winner), was second at 8-1, sitting the catbird seat throughout the mile. The other eligible, Parlia Hanover (H-Credit Winner), made an early misstep but rallied to regain her gait and finish third. 

The favorite was Haul ‘n Fanny. She never got started, jumping from the start and again as she followed the field around to finish last.